So, just what kind of player are the Gunners getting should they snare Bender from the BayArena? We've got the info right here.

What type of player is he?

Bender is famed for his impressive workrate, and tireless efforts in a deep-lying midfield position.

The Leverkusen man would add some tenacity and doggedness to an engine room that has perhaps valued style over substance at times this season.

Wenger failed to land the 25-year-old last summer, and subsequently brought back Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer to play the role of midfield firefighter.

Bender, however, would be a step up from the Frenchman, and the school of thought is that the German's particular brand of wet works would provide the perfect base for the likes of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla to flourish further up the field next term.

How much will he cost?

The Gunners missed out on landing Bender last summer, with varying reports claiming that a £19m bid was on the table.

Bayer are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, a point above Wolfsburg with two games left to play, and qualification for next season's Champions League would strengthen Leverkusen's hand at the negotiating table.

A fee of around £20m is expected should the Germans make it into Europe's premier competition next term.

Martin Rose

On the mark: Lars Bender netted for Germany in the 2012 Euros

However a strong showing for Germany at this summer's World Cup could also see his value increase.

Bender also has four years left of his current deal, meaning Leverkusen are in no rush to offload.

Lars Bender factfile

Bender signed for Leverkusen in 2009, making over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.

He was part of the Germany Under-19 squad that triumphed at the 2008 Euros in the Czech Republic.

The midfielder made his full international debut in September 2011 against Poland.

Bender was a member of the Germany squad for Euro 2012, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win against Denmark.

Bender has a twin brother, Sven, who plays for Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder won the 2006 Fritz Walter Gold Medal award - an accolade that recognises players under the age of 17 in Germany.